On April 13, 2024, the Supreme Student Council (SSC), in collaboration with the Student Body Organizations (SBO) of the Provincial Institute of Fisheries, Institute of Information and Communication Technology, and College of Education, conducted an outreach program at Sitio Cristobal, San Antonio, Isabela. With the theme “Glow of Solidarity: Lighting the Path to Recovery, One Heart at a Time,” the initiative aimed to provide immediate support to families in need while fostering a sense of solidarity and community.

The program aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), all of which promote holistic and sustainable development to ensure that no one is left behind. Its goals were to promote health and well-being within the community, provide educational and livelihood knowledge to improve economic opportunities, and strengthen partnerships between the university and local communities.

The program officially commenced at 9:00 AM with an opening speech by Ma’am Iluminada A. Aguinaldo, SSC Adviser, who expressed her gratitude for the active participation of the San Antonio community. Following this, a feeding program was conducted, addressing SDG 3 by highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and health care, especially for children and families facing food insecurity. The next part of the program focused on providing education and livelihood opportunities, reflecting SDGs 4 and 8. The SBO of the Institute of Information and Communication Technology, along with the SBO of the Provincial Institute of Fisheries, led sessions for adults on topics such as livelihood opportunities and cybersecurity. These sessions were designed to equip the community with knowledge that could enhance their economic prospects while also protecting them from cyber threats. While adults took part in the educational sessions, the children of Barangay San Antonio engaged in recreational activities organized by the SBO of the College of Education. These activities fostered a sense of cooperation and camaraderie among the children, contributing to their social and emotional development.

The success of the outreach program was further emphasized by the in-kind donations distributed to all families in attendance. These donations, collected through the efforts of the ISU Roxas community, aimed to meet the immediate needs of the recipients and foster a spirit of shared responsibility. The initiative also embodied SDG 17, demonstrating how partnerships can address local challenges and contribute to long-term recovery and resilience. The joy and visible gratitude from the community were a testament to the program’s impact.

By fostering connections and providing essential resources, the university reaffirmed its commitment to supporting underserved populations and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. Through ongoing engagement and strategic partnerships, ISU Roxas remains dedicated to making a difference, one heart at a time.